Trial Rescheduled In EMU Football Player’s Slaying

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ANN ARBOR (WWJ/AP) - A judge has rescheduled the trial of two Detroit men charged in the robbery and fatal shooting of Eastern Michigan University football player Demarius Reed.

Washtenaw County Judge Donald Shelton moved the trial date for Kristopher Pratt and Ed Thomas, both 20, to July 21. It had been set for June 23. Shelton said he met with attorneys in his chambers to discuss the scheduling, but no reason for the change was given in open court, The Ann Arbor News reported.

Thomas and Pratt are accused of killing Reed on Oct. 18 in the hallway of the off-campus University Green apartments, on Green Road near Leforge Road, where Reed lived. Police said Reed was shot multiple times, including at least once in the face, during a robbery. His wallet and cellphone were taken.

Demarius Reed (Credit: Eastern Michigan University)

According to investigators, a party was taking place at the time Reed was killed. Ypsilanti’s Interim Police Chief Tony DeGiusti said several students at the party reported hearing gunshots, but none of them called police. He also said at least one person walked past Reed as he lay on the stairwell, but didn’t call the police “because they just thought he was someone passed-out from the party.”

Thomas and Pratt, who are being held in jail without bond, are both charged with open murder, armed robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery. If convicted as charged, both face up to life in prison.